On this page, provide research on Handel or the background of this composition (e.g. when it was composed, for whom, when it was first performed, musical elements to focus on, form of the first movement, etc.) Also feel free to comment on the the video performance of this piece or insert a contrasting performance and explain how it is different.
Sandy:
Written for the coronation of King George the Second in 1727 along with the other anthems of The King Shall Rejoice, My Heart is Inditing, and Let thy Hand be Strengthened
Coronation was on October 11, 1727 with the choir of Westminster Abbey
Handel was born in Germany but England was where most of his career was taken place (became a British subject in 1727 after arriving in 1710)
Cite: "Zadok the Priest". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2015. Web. 08 Apr. 2015
David:
- Handel was born in February 23, 1685 in Halle, Germany, and he died April 14, 1759 at the age of 74 in London, England.
- Handel wrote his coronation anthems for King George II as a composer of the Chapel Royal.
- Zadok the Priest features a passage from the second half of 1 Kings 1 from the Christian bible.
Coronation Anthem No. 2, "The King Shall Rejoice," G. F. Handel:
Both Zadok the Priest and The King Shall Rejoice feature a grandness in their styles and particularly their entrances; a style of grandeur should be expected for the atmosphere coronation. At 2:46, the second movement begins and features a triple meter, like that of a dance, as does Zadok the Priest at 1:51. A notable difference between the two anthems is that The King Shall Rejoice also features canons and heterophonic passages among the vocal parts (a good example is found in between 3:27 and 3:50 and from 6:33), whereas in Zadok the Priest, the choir parts are homophonic and usually homorhythmic. What I personally like about The King Shall Rejoice is the rich texture that arises as a result from the heterophony in the choir.
"George Frideric Handel." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc., 2015. Web. 8 Apr. 2015.
"Zadok the Priest." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc., 2015. Web. 8 Apr. 2015.
Jackson:
- One of the ways Handel is known is by composing the "most famous of all oratorios, Mesiah" as well as other compositions such as Water Music, and Music for the Royal Fireworks.
- Handel spent four years traveling Italy, and got to meet numerous Italian composers such as Arcangello Corelli, and Allesandro Scarlatti.
- Due to his time in Italy, he became renowned throughout Italy, and due to his skill in Italian Opera, he became known worldwide.
"George Frideric Handel | Biography - German-English Composer." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 08 Apr. 2015.
Allan Liu
Handel decided to pursue a career in music at the age of 18, by accepting the position as a violinist at the Hamburg Opera's Goosemarket Theater.
Zadok the Priest incorporates texts from the King James Bible, and is derived from the biblical event of the anointment of Solomon by Zadok and Nathan.
This majestic piecehas been played at every English coronation since that of George II.
Works Cited
"George Handel." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2015. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.
Schwarm, Betsy. "Zadok the Priest." Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2013. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.
This is Zadok the Priest being performed at the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. It’s really exciting to see the piece played out along with the visuals and helps greatly in understanding the setting of each section. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltTm1Ysf_cA
Mike Yang
- Handel debut as an opera composer in 1704 with a piece called Almira.
- Handel had mastered composing for the organ, violin, and oboe under the teachings of Friedrich Wilhelm Zachow. He was 10 years old by this time.
- Handel had initially began to study law due to Hus father's wishes. However, even though he had enrolled for courses, Handel dropped out and began to pursuit his passion for music.
Cite http://www.biography.com/people/george-handel-9327378#early-life
Andrew Santos
Out of the four coronation anthems, Zadok the Priest is the most popular.
Handel died in London on April 14, 1759.
Handel had a stroke in 1737, which momentarily paralyzed his arms and deteriorated a slight amount of his mental comprehension.
The English oratorio is popularized by Handel’s masques Acis and Galatea and Haman and Mordecai (renamed Esther) after the popularity of operas in England declined.
Handel was the favorite composer of George I and his son George II. When Queen Anne died without heirs, her German cousin was crowned king George I and Handel started composing for royalty.
Despite failing eyesight, Handel remained involved in music until his death. He is buried in Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey, a place reserved for national figures.
Works Cited
Cudworth, Charles. "George Frideric Handel | Biography - German-English Composer." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 Nov. 2014. Web. 12 Apr. 2015.
Schwarm, Betsy. "Zadok the Priest | Work by Handel." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2015.
The words to the song were derived from biblical texts, depicting the anointing of Solomon, a king of Israel.
The beginning of the piece is very effective in building up excitement for the big reveal (trumpet entrance).
The chorus ends in a plagal cadence.
Performed at the Royal Albert Hall by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md-jwAD-BVA Works Cited "Handel - Zadok the Priest." Classic FM. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2015. "Zadok the Priest | Work by Handel." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.
Jason Sohn
- Zadok the Priest is consisted of chorus ( soprano, alto, tenor, bass ) and orchestra (two oboes, two bassoons, three trumpets, timpani, strings)
- The key signature of this piece is D major
- Time signature changes throughout the piece ( 4/4 - 3/4 - 4/4) Work Cited
"George Frideric Handel." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc., 2015. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.
"Zadok the Priest." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc., 2015. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.
Kelly
Handel was successful in London and eventually became the director of The Royal Academy of Music.
Handel had to rush through his final oratorio, Jephtha, due to becoming blind.
The growing violin arpeggios and the repeated chords in the lower strings and woodwind, builds up to the bright climax by the voices, trumpets, and drums.
This is an interesting news report on Zadok the Priest, highlighting the interesting and favorite parts by Martin Dougan from CBBC's newsround. - http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/clips/zjrfgk7
Works Cited
"Handel: 15 facts about the great composer." Classic FM. Global Limited, n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.
"Coronation Anthems." Choirs. n.p. n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.
Rose
Since 1727, Zadok the priest has been performed at every British coronation.
The music surprises people in the beginning with its soft introduction that is suddenly interrupted by a loud trumpet entrance
The text of the piece is:
Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anointed Solomon king. And all the people rejoiced and said: “God save the King! Long live the King! May the King live forever! Amen! Amen! Alleluia!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL9ZlVwgnUU
"Zadok the Priest." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc., 2015. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.
"George Frideric Handel." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc., 2015. Web. 8 Apr. 2015.
Bethany
Handel is admired by many composers, such as Beethoven. "He is the greatest composer that ever lived. I would uncover my head and kneel before his tomb," said Beethoven.
Handel House Museum in Mayfair is dedicated the works and life of Handel
"George Frideric Handel (1685–1759)." Kids Music Corner. Kids Music Corner, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2015. "George Handel." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2015. Web. 08 May 2015.
Malcolm
Handel became a British subject in 1727, and shortly afterward was appointed a composer of the Chapel Royal
"Zadok the Priest" effectively captures the progression of moods: opening instrumental and choral parts build anticipation, and culminates in shouts of rejoicing
The texture of the music sung by choir is homophonic - all four parts are singing to exact same rhythm in "block chords"
Works Cited: "Zadok the Priest". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2015. Web. 02 May. 2015
The text of the piece (“God save the Queen/King! Long live the Queen/King!”) is not only sung at a coronation, but also recited by everyone in attendance.
When Handel was young, he had to sneak up to the attic and use a hidden clavichord if he wanted to play music, because his father did not support it.
In 1704, Handel was almost killed with a sword by fellow composer Mattheson during a fight.
The following is a recording of Handel's Coronation Anthem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj65u_VY0uM This version differs from many other recordings, as the beginning is played much more slowly, adding suspense and creating contrast to the next sections of the piece.
Works Cited
"Handel: 15 Facts About the Great Composer." Classic FM. Global Limited, 2015. Web. 6 May 2015.
"Zadok and the British Throne." Philadelphia Church of God. Philadelphia Church of God, 2015. Web. 6 May 2015.
Lucy
Handel's first task as a British citizen was to write music for King George II's coronation
the first performance of the piece included "40 voices, and about 160 Violins, trumpets, Hautboys, Kettle-Drums, and bass’s proportionable" according to a report from the Norwich Gazette
The audience at Westminster Abbey was captivated by the piece when it was debuted at the coronation
- Handle had a stroke in 1737 which left his right hand impaired, however, he made a speedy recovery and was back to composing and performing
- Besides Zadok the Priest, he has many other famous works such as the Messiah
- Handel's musical style of alternating between homorhythmic and contrapuntal textures is evident in this composition (especially in the 3rd movement) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG2UMO6rZd4
Sandy:
Cite: "Zadok the Priest". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2015. Web. 08 Apr. 2015
This is a website that goes into further details of the being Zadok and what it means in the bible: http://www.aboutbibleprophecy.com/p167.htm
David:
- Handel was born in February 23, 1685 in Halle, Germany, and he died April 14, 1759 at the age of 74 in London, England.
- Handel wrote his coronation anthems for King George II as a composer of the Chapel Royal.
- Zadok the Priest features a passage from the second half of 1 Kings 1 from the Christian bible.
Coronation Anthem No. 2, "The King Shall Rejoice," G. F. Handel:
Both Zadok the Priest and The King Shall Rejoice feature a grandness in their styles and particularly their entrances; a style of grandeur should be expected for the atmosphere coronation. At 2:46, the second movement begins and features a triple meter, like that of a dance, as does Zadok the Priest at 1:51. A notable difference between the two anthems is that The King Shall Rejoice also features canons and heterophonic passages among the vocal parts (a good example is found in between 3:27 and 3:50 and from 6:33), whereas in Zadok the Priest, the choir parts are homophonic and usually homorhythmic. What I personally like about The King Shall Rejoice is the rich texture that arises as a result from the heterophony in the choir.
"George Frideric Handel." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc., 2015. Web. 8 Apr. 2015.
"Zadok the Priest." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc., 2015. Web. 8 Apr. 2015.
Jackson:
- One of the ways Handel is known is by composing the "most famous of all oratorios, Mesiah" as well as other compositions such as Water Music, and Music for the Royal Fireworks.
- Handel spent four years traveling Italy, and got to meet numerous Italian composers such as Arcangello Corelli, and Allesandro Scarlatti.
- Due to his time in Italy, he became renowned throughout Italy, and due to his skill in Italian Opera, he became known worldwide.
"George Frideric Handel | Biography - German-English Composer." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 08 Apr. 2015.
Allan Liu
Works Cited
"George Handel." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2015. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.
Schwarm, Betsy. "Zadok the Priest." Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2013. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.
This is Zadok the Priest being performed at the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. It’s really exciting to see the piece played out along with the visuals and helps greatly in understanding the setting of each section. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltTm1Ysf_cA
Mike Yang
- Handel debut as an opera composer in 1704 with a piece called Almira.
- Handel had mastered composing for the organ, violin, and oboe under the teachings of Friedrich Wilhelm Zachow. He was 10 years old by this time.
- Handel had initially began to study law due to Hus father's wishes. However, even though he had enrolled for courses, Handel dropped out and began to pursuit his passion for music.
Cite http://www.biography.com/people/george-handel-9327378#early-life
Andrew Santos
Works Cited
"George Frideric Handel." Classic FM. Web. 12 Apr. 2015.
Brian Liu
Works Cited
Cudworth, Charles. "George Frideric Handel | Biography - German-English Composer." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 Nov. 2014. Web. 12 Apr. 2015.
Schwarm, Betsy. "Zadok the Priest | Work by Handel." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2015.
This is the rare footage of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. At 5:12, "Zadok the Priest" is played.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGLN1kREJ2Q
Emma Li
Performed at the Royal Albert Hall by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md-jwAD-BVA
Works Cited
"Handel - Zadok the Priest." Classic FM. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.
"Zadok the Priest | Work by Handel." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.
Jason Sohn
- Zadok the Priest is consisted of chorus ( soprano, alto, tenor, bass ) and orchestra (two oboes, two bassoons, three trumpets, timpani, strings)
- The key signature of this piece is D major
- Time signature changes throughout the piece ( 4/4 - 3/4 - 4/4)
Work Cited
"George Frideric Handel." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc., 2015. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.
"Zadok the Priest." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc., 2015. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.
Kelly
This is an interesting news report on Zadok the Priest, highlighting the interesting and favorite parts by Martin Dougan from CBBC's newsround. - http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/clips/zjrfgk7
Works Cited
"Handel: 15 facts about the great composer." Classic FM. Global Limited, n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.
"Coronation Anthems." Choirs. n.p. n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.
Rose
- Since 1727, Zadok the priest has been performed at every British coronation.
- The music surprises people in the beginning with its soft introduction that is suddenly interrupted by a loud trumpet entrance
- The text of the piece is:
Zadok the priestand Nathan the prophet
anointed Solomon king.
And all the people rejoiced and said:
“God save the King!
Long live the King!
May the King live forever!
Amen! Amen! Alleluia!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL9ZlVwgnUU
"Zadok the Priest." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc., 2015. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.
"George Frideric Handel." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc., 2015. Web. 8 Apr. 2015.
Bethany
Performed by the Academy of Ancient Music and Choir of the AAM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kucFS9Gafk&spfreload=10
"George Frideric Handel (1685–1759)." Kids Music Corner. Kids Music Corner, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2015.
"George Handel." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2015. Web. 08 May 2015.
Malcolm
Works Cited:
"Zadok the Priest". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2015. Web. 02 May. 2015
Phillips, Mark. Heinemann GCSE Music. Oxford: Heinemann Educational, 2002. Print.
Talia
The following is a recording of Handel's Coronation Anthem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj65u_VY0uM
This version differs from many other recordings, as the beginning is played much more slowly, adding suspense and creating contrast to the next sections of the piece.
Works Cited
"Handel: 15 Facts About the Great Composer." Classic FM. Global Limited, 2015. Web. 6 May 2015.
"Zadok and the British Throne." Philadelphia Church of God. Philadelphia Church of God, 2015. Web. 6 May 2015.
Lucy
- Handel's first task as a British citizen was to write music for King George II's coronation
- the first performance of the piece included "40 voices, and about 160 Violins, trumpets, Hautboys, Kettle-Drums, and bass’s proportionable" according to a report from the Norwich Gazette
- The audience at Westminster Abbey was captivated by the piece when it was debuted at the coronation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcfR4utkASoThe video link above shows Zadok being performed at Westminster Abbey recently. The grand building increases the majestic feel of the piece.
Meltzer, Ken. "Notes on the Program." Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, n.d. Web. 6 May 2015.
Daniel
Works Cites:
"Handel - Coronation Anthems - Programme Notes." Handel - Coronation Anthems - Programme Notes. Aylesbury Choral Society, n.d. Web. 08 May 2015.
Eric
- Handle had a stroke in 1737 which left his right hand impaired, however, he made a speedy recovery and was back to composing and performing
- Besides Zadok the Priest, he has many other famous works such as the Messiah
- Handel's musical style of alternating between homorhythmic and contrapuntal textures is evident in this composition (especially in the 3rd movement)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG2UMO6rZd4
"George Handel Biography." Bio. A&E Networks Television. Web. 8 May 2015.